orgasm

1 of 2

noun

or·​gasm ˈȯr-ˌga-zəm 

plural orgasms

: intense or paroxysmal excitement

especially : the rapid pleasurable release of neuromuscular tensions at the height of sexual arousal that is usually accompanied by the ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female

orgasm

2 of 2

verb

orgasmed; orgasming; orgasms

intransitive verb

: to experience orgasm

Examples of orgasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Adam gets off on being asphyxiated, while Ingeborg has hypersensitive fingertips to the extent of them effectively being her erogenous zone; gracing her hands against the fabric that’s wrapped her lover during his orgasm seems to set off her own. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

What follows is impalement and orgasm in the same instant—one spear through both women, blood passing from Billy’s mouth onto Kris’s upturned face—and when their breathing stops, the hole at the bottom of the lake pushes out a fresh videotape. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

In real life, most women don’t orgasm from two minutes of penetration. — Rebecca Fearn, Refinery29, 27 Aug. 2025

The Enigma is for anyone who can’t orgasm with a classic clitoral stimulator alone and needs a little extra oomph. — Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin orgasmus, from Greek orgasmos, from organ to grow ripe, be lustful; probably akin to Sanskrit ūrjā sap, strength

Verb

derivative of orgasm entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

orgasm

noun

or·​gasm

ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm

: the climax of sexual excitement

Medical Definition

orgasm

1 of 2 noun

or·​gasm ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm 

: the climax of sexual excitement that is usually accompanied by ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female

orgasmic

ȯr-ˈgaz-mik 

adjective

also orgastic

-ˈgas-tik 

orgasm

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to experience an orgasm

able to orgasm during intercourse

—Shere Hite